Today marks a rare phenomenon in the natural world – a Blue Moon. Halloween, 2020 is the first time in more than 70 years that a Blue Moon is visible in all time zones and has coincided with Halloween.
How do full moons occur?
Full moons happen once a month when the sun’s rays fully illuminate the surface of the moon. The moon has no light of its own, and when the moon is shining at its brightest and fullest, we receiving the maximum amount of light as the sun’s rays reflect off the surface of the moon.
While the energy of a full moon lasts for about three days before and after the lunation, the moon is technically only ‘full’ for a moment – when the sun and the moon are directly opposite each other in the sky.
How do the moon cycles affect us?
Humans have been living according to both solar and lunar cycles for centuries. Connecting to these energies gives us a sense of connectedness and synergy with the earth and cosmos.
Whilst the new moon is a time to set intentions for the future and launch new ideas and projects, the full moon is a time of culmination and endings. Traditionally, farmers would plan harvests at full moon to take advantage of the bright light cast over the land by the moon.
Starting with the “dark” phase of the new moon, the lunar surface gathers light over a two-week period, then manifesting as a full moon. When the moon is completely full, it is a spiritual and energetic culmination of things you started when the sun and the moon united at the new moon. As the moon waxes (increases toward full light), our energy builds. The waxing moon generates a forward-moving energy and momentum making it a good time for creating, working toward goals or bringing the initial phases of a project to fruition.
Once the full moon arrives, the waning (decreasing) moon phase begins. As the moon wanes and the light starts to dwindle, we can begin to release what’s no longer working for us. It’s a great time to reflect on what you’ve built during the waxing phase while shedding anything that doesn’t feel right. As the moon wanes, we are invited to release what’s not serving our highest Self.
Lunar energy by nature is cooling, restorative, nourishing, nurturing and intuitive. Associated with the element of water, the moon is the ruler of the tides – and strongly influences our emotions! Those of you who are lunar sensitive might notice that you feel more amped up, irritable or even have trouble sleeping in the run up to a full moon! La Luna’s energies are deceptively powerful.
How Can I Harness the Energy of the Full Moon?
The full moon energies invite us to slow down, go within and connect to the divine feminine energy within us. In the yogic tradition, this energy is known as kundalini shakti.
Full moon meditation is a powerful way to harness the luminous lunar energy and deeply restorative and healing power of the moon’s light to feel nourished and renewed – in body, mind and soul.
Here’s a full moon ritual I like to use which incorporates mudra, meditation and affirmations.
o Sit comfortably in a quiet space – ideally where the moonlight is visible.
o Soften your gaze or close your eyes and feel the moon light fill the room and your body. Imagine the moonlight enveloping your entire body, bathing you in nourishing white light and purifying your body, mind and soul.
o Rest your awareness in the flow of your breath. You may wish to place your right hand at navel centre and left hand at heart centre to help you connect to your breath. If any thoughts or worries come into your mind, observe them without judgement and bring your awareness back to your breath.
o Once you feel more grounded, sitting with a tall and comfortably straight spine, come into Yoni mudra (see below):
Yoni meaning “womb” or “source” in Sanskrit, represents Shakti, the divine feminine energy. The creative force in the universe. Practicing Yoni mudra will help you to harness this creative and nourishing energy and step into your power.
Here’s how to practice yoni mudra:
• Bring your palms together in prayer pose (Anjali mudra).
• Press the tips of your fingers together against one another separating your palms, creating a tent like shape with your hands.
• Keeping your thumbs and index fingers pressed together, bend and interlace your other fingers (see below).
• Now, turn the mudra to point your index fingers downwards towards your lower abdomen. Keep your arms and shoulders relaxed and soft.
• Breathe deeply, inhaling and exhaling through your nose – notice the prana (life force energy) flowing through your body. Continue for as long as feels comfortable.
The interlocking of the fingers in Yoni mudra creates a cross section of prana (vital life force energy) in the right and left hands. Placing the tips of the thumbs and index fingers together intensifies the flow of prana. As well as balancing the energies of the body, it helps to balance the functioning of the right and left brain hemispheres. Considered a tranquility mudra, Yoni mudra cultivates deep relaxation in the body and mind.
o Full Moon Affirmation – I invite you to end your full moon practice with the below affirmation:
Tonight, I give thanks for all my blessings.
I take comfort knowing that everything is unfolding for my highest good.
I am grateful.
I am at peace.
I am spreading light wherever I go.
I am blossoming into my fullness like the moon.
I release all attachment to things which are no longer serving my highest good and welcome in all which nourishes my soul.
I embrace the unfolding, knowing that I am divinely guided, protected and supported.
And so it is.
If you like this new moon ritual, share it with others so they can benefit too 🙂